The principles and good practices set out in this Guide serve the following purposes: they assist in the more effective implementation and application of those provisions of the Hague Convention of 25 October 1980 on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction which concern transfrontier contact . they draw attention to provisions of the Hague Convention of 19 October 1996 on Jurisdiction, Applicable Law, Recognition, Enforcement and Co-operation in respect of Parental Responsibility and Measures for the Protection of Children which relate to transfrontier contact and which supplement the 1980 Convention, and provide guidance concerning their application . they provide an overall model for constructing an international system of co-operation designed to secure effective respect for rights of contact. As such, the Principles and Guide are intended to be helpful also to those States, which are not Parties to the Hague Conventions, but are considering how best to develop effective structures. ... The Guide is intended to be of particular use to judges and Central Authorities appointed under the 1980 or 1996 Conventions, as well as to governments and other professionals engaged in the development of policies concerning transfrontier contact.

This new book covers international issues in family law

International child abduction is one of the most emotionally charged and fascinating areas of family law practice. The 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction was the response of the international community to the increase in the phenomenon of parental child abduction. However, behind the widely acclaimed success of this Convention - which has now been ratified by more than 90 states - lie personal tragedies, academic controversy and diplomatic tensions. The continuing steady flow of case-law from the various Member States has resulted in the emergence of different approaches to the interpretation of key concepts in the Convention. In addition, over the years other global and regional legal instruments and the recommendations of the Special Commissions have had an impact on the implementation of the Convention. This book brings together all these strands and provides an up-to-date, clear and highly readable discussion of the international operation of the Abduction Convention together with in-depth critical academic analysis in light of the objectives of the Convention and other relevant legal norms, such as the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Throughout the book, examples are brought from case law in many jurisdictions and reference is made to relevant legal and social science literature and empirical research. Over the past decade, increasing focus has been placed on what might be seen as procedural issues, such as separate representation for children, undertakings, judicial liaison and mediation. The book analyses the significance of these developments and the extent to which they can help resolve the continuing tension between some of the objectives of the Convention and the interests of individual children. This book will be essential reading for judges, practitioners, researchers, students, policy-makers and others who are seeking a critical and informed analysis of the latest developments in international abduction law and practice. From the Foreword by Brenda Hale, Justice of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom 'This book is, as far as I am aware, the first scholarly monograph to study the interpretation and application of the Convention across the whole legal space which it occupies and to critically assess these in light of the object and purposes of the Convention and other relevant legal norms. Cases are drawn from many jurisdictions to discuss how different countries interpret the Convention and links are made with relevant statistical, social and psychological research in a thoughtful discussion of the significance of such material both to judicial decision-making and to policy development...a study which deserves to be read by anyone with an interest in the modern phenomenon of international child abduction, whether judge, practitioner, policy-maker, parent, researcher or scholar. There is plenty for us all to think about.'

Handling Hague abduction cases is challenging and fulfilling. Although Hague cases are tried very quickly, they still require an intimate knowledge of the Convention and of the voluminous case law that has developed around it. Hague cases also require a complete understanding of international child custody law in general and in particular, for U.S. practitioners, of the relationship between The Hague Convention and the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction & Enforcement Act. The Convention operates in the U.S. in ways that differ from those in other Hague countries. This is because of the federal legislation that implements the treaty, the concurrence of federal and state jurisdiction, the lack of a specialized group of judges who handle cases under the Convention, the uniform state legislation on child custody jurisdiction, and a host of other factors. When children are the subject of international family law disputes, the challenges are often great and emotions generally run high. Simply put, money can be divided but children cannot. This book is a must-have resource of any family law practitioner that wants to represent the best interests of his client and their heirs involved in a Hague case.

"The Handbook aims to be a practical tool for implementation, explaining and illustrating the implications of each article of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and of the two Optional Protocols adopted in 2000 as well as their interconnections."--P. xvii.

Considering the rights of the child is now central to all fields involving children and to good multi-agency working. This book offers an explanation of the theoretical issues and the key policy developments that are crucial to all professions, and helps the reader to understand children's rights in relation to their role in working with children and young people. Looking at education, health, social care and welfare, it bridges the gap between policy and practice for children from Birth to 19 years. Chapters cover: - the child's right to play - youth justice and children's rights - the voice of the child - ethical dilemmas in different contexts - involvement, participation and decision making - safeguarding and child protection - social justice and exclusion This book helps the reader understand what constitutes good practice, whilst considering the advantages and tensions involved in working across disciplines to implement children's rights against a complex legislative and social policy backdrop. Essential reading for undergraduate and graduate students on Early Years, Early Childhood Studies, Childhood and Youth, Education, Law, Social Work, Play and Psychology courses, it is relevant to professionals working across education, health and social work.